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F|T: The FinTech Times – Is Canada an easy target for international money laundering?

FinCrypt Staff

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F|T: The FinTech Times – Is Canada an easy target for international money laundering?

Also: ZayZoon returns its services to Canada after years in the United States.

Welcome to FinTech Times, a weekly newsletter covering the biggest FinTech news from around the world. If you want to read F|T before anyone else, make sure you do subscribe using this form.

TD fines show Canada becoming the ‘soft underbelly’ of international money laundering – here’s why

Canada’s TD Bank is facing unprecedented scrutiny for its involvement in at least two money laundering investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice, one of which alleges that TD was the primary financial institution used by drug traffickers Chinese authorities to launder $653 million (US) in fentanyl proceeds. sales.

The scandal is shedding light on Canada’s ongoing money laundering problem, nicknamed “snowwashing” to reflect the use of its pristine reputation and stable economy by criminals who want to make suspicious transactions appear legitimate.

“Canada is the soft underbelly of Western democracies. Our entire system is very tolerant of foreign threats and is becoming well known not only to threat actors, but also to our allies,” said Calvin Chrustie, senior partner at Critical Risk Team, a risk management consultancy risk and anti-money laundering.

(Toronto Star)

Earned Wage Startup ZayZoon Returns Its Services to Canada

ZayZoon, the Calgary-based FinTech startup, is bringing its services back to Canada after only serving the United States for an extended period.

ZayZoon first introduced EWA to the Canadian market in 2016, but was “fighting tooth and nail to get partnerships,” the startup’s co-founder and president, Tate Hackert, told BetaKit in an interview of 2022. The experience has led ZayZoon to focus on expansion in the United States until its return to Canada this week.

ZayZoon’s general manager for Canada, Shubh Sidhu, told BetaKit in an emailed statement that many things have changed since ZayZoon left Canada, including awareness of its offering, its growth and increased pressure on consumer finances.

(BetaKit)

Bolt founder Ryan Breslow wants to settle investor lawsuit by returning $37 million worth of shares

Bolt founder Ryan Breslow proposed a settlement this week with investor Activant Capital, which could put an end to a lawsuit brought by Activant. The investor accused Breslow of adding $30 million to Bolt’s balance sheet in the form of personal debt and removing board members when they urged Breslow to pay him back.

Breslow’s $30 million loan was guaranteed by Bolt, however, Breslow defaulted on the loan, the lawsuit claims.

Now, according to the liquidation plan seen by TechCrunch, Bolt will cancel 13,397,270 shares of common stock previously owned by Breslow, representing $37,378,383. Breslow is essentially returning those shares to Bolt to resolve the principal loan, expenses and interest.

(TechCrunch)

The baseline closes C$2.2 million to help private lenders run their businesses

Baseline, a Toronto-based FinTech startup, began as a private real estate lending company with unmet needs. Over time, it has replaced nearly its entire technology stack with proprietary software built specifically to run its operations more efficiently.

Every time Baseline founder and CEO Shaye Wali shared this technology with peers in the private lending industry, others asked if they could use it.

Now, the startup has secured about C$2.2 million ($1.6 million) in funding led by Toronto-based N49P Ventures to fuel the growth of its platform and capture a larger share of the growing private lending market.

(BetaKit)

Ontario’s “Crypto King” and his partner arrested on fraud charges

Ontario’s self-proclaimed Crypto King and one of his associates have been arrested and charged with fraud.

Aiden Pleterski, 25, is charged with fraud over $5,000 and laundering the proceeds of crime, according to Oshawa court.

In a news release Wednesday, police said the two men had been charged following a 16-month investigation, dubbed Project Swan, into Pleterski.

(CBC)

Takeaways: Hear from four founders on the state of Canadian tech

What happens when you bring old and new generations of technology into the same room?

BetaKit has compiled a series of questions and answers from an early-stage founder, a scaling founder, an experienced repeat founder, and a newcomer to the ecosystem who spoke at last week’s BetaKit town hall.

MedExist Joella Almeida talked about why being “Shopify for pharmacies” isn’t enough.

Cofounder of Cohere Ivan Zhang explained why Canadian tech is great at creating winners, but terrible at keeping them here.

Serial entrepreneur Ali Asaria warned tech about getting lost in its own “bubble” and how the ecosystem can beat the US.

He has been learning for 22 years Jocelyn Murphywho spoke about the lack of meaningful mentorship for young entrepreneurs, frustrating hiring practices, and how the cost of living hinders innovation.

(BetaKit)

Stablecoin Issuers Circle will become registered office in the United States prior to listing

Circle Internet Financial Ltd., issuer of the second-largest cryptocurrency stablecoin, plans to move its legal base from the Republic of Ireland to the United States.

A company spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that court documents had recently been filed for the new domicile, but declined to explain why. In January, Circle confidentially filed plans for an initial public offering with the U.S. securities regulator.

(BNN Bloomberg)

Canadian VC funding sees mixed results in Q1 as PE market recovers, CVCA reports

The first quarter of 2024 saw mixed results in terms of venture capital funding and a significant pickup in private equity activity, according to a new report.

Nearly C$1.3 billion in total venture capital funding was distributed to Canadian tech startups across 128 deals during the first quarter, according to data compiled by the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. Both were down from the fourth quarter of 2023.

In terms of total dollars invested, this represented an 8% increase over the first quarter of 2023, fueled by funding from AI startups such as Ideogram, Spellbook and Borderless AI, health tech companies including PocketHealth and Flosonics Medical, FinTech company Helcim and last mile delivery provider UniUni.

(BetaKit)

French fintech Lydia will invest €100 million in banking services and aims to achieve profitability in 2025

French unicorn Lydia, a popular payments app for Generation Z and French millennials, will invest 100 million euros over the next three years to double its banking services.

Despite that expense, co-founder Cyril Chiche said at a press event today that he expects his company to reach profitability next year.

Lydia will hire 400 recruits in France over the next three years to work on Sumeria, more than double its current team of 250. In that time, the company also hopes to obtain a banking license so that the new organization can begin providing credit services.

(Sieved)

The best place to aim AI? The mirror

Zoho Canada recently hosted a webinar on the topic of generative AI in business intelligence and how the tool can be implemented to make organizations more data-driven.

The discussion offered four key insights for startups thinking about applying generative AI in their operations and featured Matt Aslett, director of research, data and analytics at Information Services Group’s Ventana Research, and Chandrashekar Lalapet Srinivas Prasanna from Zoho Canada.

(BetaKit)

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Courtesy of the featured image TD.



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We are the editorial team of FinCrypt, where seriousness meets clarity in cryptocurrency analysis. With a robust team of finance and blockchain technology experts, we are dedicated to meticulously exploring complex crypto markets with detailed assessments and an unbiased approach. Our mission is to democratize access to knowledge of emerging financial technologies, ensuring they are understandable and accessible to all. In every article on FinCrypt, we strive to provide content that not only educates, but also empowers our readers, facilitating their integration into the financial digital age.

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Fintech

US Agencies Request Information on Bank-Fintech Dealings

FinCrypt Staff

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Summer Trading Network 2016

Federal banking regulators have issued a statement reminding banks of the potential risks associated with third-party arrangements to provide bank deposit products and services.

The agencies support responsible innovation and banks that engage in these arrangements in a safe and fair manner and in compliance with applicable law. While these arrangements may offer benefits, supervisory experience has identified a number of safety and soundness, compliance, and consumer concerns with the management of these arrangements. The statement details potential risks and provides examples of effective risk management practices for these arrangements. Additionally, the statement reminds banks of existing legal requirements, guidance, and related resources and provides insights that the agencies have gained through their oversight. The statement does not establish new supervisory expectations.

Separately, the agencies requested additional information on a broad range of arrangements between banks and fintechs, including for deposit, payment, and lending products and services. The agencies are seeking input on the nature and implications of arrangements between banks and fintechs and effective risk management practices.

The agencies are considering whether to take additional steps to ensure that banks effectively manage the risks associated with these different types of arrangements.

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What changes in financial regulation have impacted the development of financial technology?

FinCrypt Staff

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Block Telegraph Staff

Exploring the complex landscape of global financial regulation, we gather insights from leading fintech leaders, including CEOs and finance experts. From the game-changing impact of PSD2 to the significant role of GDPR in data security, explore the four key regulatory changes that have reshaped fintech development, answering the question: “What changes in financial regulation have impacted fintech development?”

  • PSD2 revolutionizes access to financial technology
  • GDPR Improves Fintech Data Privacy
  • Regulatory Sandboxes Drive Fintech Innovation
  • GDPR Impacts Fintech Data Security

PSD2 revolutionizes access to financial technology

When it comes to regulatory impact on fintech development, nothing comes close to PSD2. This EU regulation has created a new level playing field for market players of all sizes, from fintech startups to established banks. It has had a ripple effect on other markets around the world, inspiring similar regulatory frameworks and driving global innovation in fintech.

The Payment Services Directive (PSD2), the EU law in force since 2018, has revolutionized the fintech industry by requiring banks to provide third-party payment providers (TPPs) with access to payment services and customer account information via open APIs. This has democratized access to financial data, fostering the development of personalized financial instruments and seamless payment solutions. Advanced security measures such as Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) have increased consumer trust, pushing both fintech companies and traditional banks to innovate and collaborate more effectively, resulting in a dynamic and consumer-friendly financial ecosystem.

The impact of PSD2 has extended beyond the EU, inspiring similar regulations around the world. Countries such as the UK, Australia and Canada have launched their own open banking initiatives, spurred by the benefits seen in the EU. PSD2 has highlighted the benefits of open banking, also prompting US financial institutions and fintech companies to explore similar initiatives voluntarily.

This has led to a global wave of fintech innovation, with financial institutions and fintech companies offering more integrated, personalized and secure services. The EU’s leadership in open banking through PSD2 has set a global standard, promoting regulatory harmonization and fostering an interconnected and innovative global financial ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the EU’s PSD3 proposals and Financial Data Access (FIDA) regulations promise to further advance open banking. PSD3 aims to refine and build on PSD2, with a focus on improving transaction security, fraud prevention, and integration between banks and TPPs. FIDA will expand data sharing beyond payment accounts to include areas such as insurance and investments, paving the way for more comprehensive financial products and services.

These developments are set to further enhance connectivity, efficiency and innovation in financial services, cementing open banking as a key component of the global financial infrastructure.

Sebastian Malczyk

General Manager, Technology and Product Consultant Fintech, Insurtech, Miquido

GDPR Improves Fintech Data Privacy

Privacy and data protection have been taken to another level by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), forcing fintech companies to tighten their data management. In compliance with the GDPR, organizations must ensure that personal data is processed fairly, transparently, and securely.

This has led to increased innovation in fintech towards technologies such as encryption and anonymization for data protection. GDPR was described as a top priority in the data protection strategies of 92% of US-based companies surveyed by PwC.

Arid Islam

Financial Expert, Sterlinx Global

Regulatory Sandboxes Drive Fintech Innovation

Since the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) pioneered sandbox regulatory frameworks in 2016 to enable fintech startups to explore new products and services, similar frameworks have been introduced in other countries.

This has reduced the “crippling effect on innovation” caused by a “one size fits all” regulatory approach, which would also require machines to be built to complete regulatory compliance before any testing. Successful applications within sandboxes give regulators the confidence to move forward and address gaps in laws, regulations, or supervisory approaches. This has led to widespread adoption of new technologies and business models and helped channel private sector dynamism, while keeping consumers protected and imposing appropriate regulatory requirements.

George Blandford

Co-founder, UK Linkology

GDPR Impacts Fintech Data Security

A big change in financial regulations that has had a real impact on fintech is the 2018 EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). I have seen how GDPR has pushed us to focus more on user privacy and data security.

GDPR means we have to handle personal data much more carefully. At Leverage, we have had to step up our game to meet these new rules. We have improved our data encryption and started doing regular security audits. It was a little tricky at first, but it has made our systems much more secure.

For example, we’ve added features that give users more control over their data, like simple consent tools and clear privacy notices. These changes have helped us comply with GDPR and made our customers feel more confident in how we handle their information.

I believe that GDPR has made fintech companies, including us at Leverage, more transparent and secure. It has helped build trust with our users, showing them that we take data protection seriously.

Dr. Rhett Stubbendeck

CEO & Co-Founder, Leverage Planning

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M2P Fintech About to Raise $80M

FinCrypt Staff

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M2P Fintech About to Raise $80M

Application Programming Interface (API) Infrastructure Platform M2P Financial Technology has reached the final round to raise $80 million, at a valuation of $900 million.

Specifically, M2P Fintech, formerly known as Yap, is closing a new funding round involving new and existing investors, according to entrackr.com. The India-based company, which last raised funding two and a half years ago, previously secured $56 million in a round led by Insight Partners, earning a post-money valuation of $650 million.

A source indicated that M2P Fintech is ready to raise $80 million in this new funding round, led by a new investor. Existing backers, including Insight Partners, are also expected to participate. The new funding is expected to go toward enhancing the company’s technology infrastructure and driving growth in domestic and international markets.

What does M2P Fintech do?

M2P Fintech’s API platform enables businesses to provide branded financial services through partnerships with fintech companies while maintaining regulatory compliance. In addition to its operations in India, the company is active in Nepal, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Bahrain, Egypt, and many other countries.

Another source revealed that M2P Fintech’s valuation in this funding round is expected to be between USD 880 million and USD 900 million (post-money). The company has reportedly received a term sheet and the deal is expected to be publicly announced soon. The Tiger Global-backed company has acquired six companies to date, including Goals101, Syntizen, and BSG ITSOFT, to enhance its service offerings.

According to TheKredible, Beenext is the company’s largest shareholder with over 13% ownership, while the co-founders collectively own 34% of the company. Although M2P Fintech has yet to release its FY24 financials, it has reported a significant increase in operating revenue. However, this growth has also been accompanied by a substantial increase in losses.

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Scottish financial technology firm Aveni secures £11m to expand AI offering

FinCrypt Staff

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Aveni, Investment Management, AI, NLP, UK

By Gloria Methri

Today

  • To come
  • Aveni Assistance
  • Aveni Detection

Artificial intelligence Financial Technology Aveni has announced one of the largest Series A investments in a Scottish company this year, amounting to £11 million. The investment is led by Puma Private Equity with participation from Par Equity, Lloyds Banking Group and Nationwide.

Aveni combines AI expertise with extensive financial services experience to create large language models (LLMs) and AI products designed specifically for the financial services industry. It is trusted by some of the UK’s leading financial services firms. It has seen significant business growth over the past two years through its conformity and productivity solutions, Aveni Detect and Aveni Assist.

This investment will enable Aveni to build on the success of its existing products, further consolidate its presence in the sector and introduce advanced technologies through FinLLM, a large-scale language model specifically for financial services.

FinLLM is being developed in partnership with new investors Lloyds Banking Group and Nationwide. It is a large, industry-aligned language model that aims to set the standard for transparent, responsible and ethical adoption of generative AI in UK financial services.

Following the investment, the team developing the FinLLM will be based at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, in a state-of-the-art facility.

Joseph Twigg, CEO of Aveniexplained, “The financial services industry doesn’t need AI models that can quote Shakespeare; it needs AI models that deliver transparency, trust, and most importantly, fairness. The way to achieve this is to develop small, highly tuned language models, trained on financial services data, and reviewed by financial services experts for specific financial services use cases. Generative AI is the most significant technological evolution of our generation, and we are in the early stages of adoption. This represents a significant opportunity for Aveni and our partners. The goal with FinLLM is to set a new standard for the controlled, responsible, and ethical adoption of generative AI, outperforming all other generic models in our select financial services use cases.”

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